HC Deb 08 November 1971 vol 825 cc615-6
3. Mr. John Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many comprehensive and secondary schools there are in Wales, and if he will give their names and number of pupils, and the number in the sixth form and other forms.

Mr. Peter Thomas:

There are 311 maintained secondary schools in Wales of which 140 are comprehensive. I am obtaining the more detailed information asked for and will write to the right hon. Member.

Mr. Morris:

Will the Secretary of State agree that we in Glamorgan have an excellent system of education, including comprehensive education? Will he agree that his present local government proposals will be an adverse step—a step backwards—for education in Glamorgan?

Mr. Thomas:

I agree that Glamorgan has a very good educational record, but I do not agree with the second part of the supplementary question.

Mr. Kinnock:

Would the Secretary of State tell us how many secondary schools are direct-grant schools? In return for the money lost to Welsh children through the loss of free school milk, can he say how much Welsh children will be getting out of the new hand-out announced by the Secretary of State for Education and Science last week?

Mr. Thomas:

I could not answer that question without notice, but I will write to the hon. Gentleman.